Common Name(s): Pva,vinyl alcohol polymer,airvol
CAS Number: 9002-89-5
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides water-soluble film formation for peel-off mask and stripping exfoliant applications.
Why It's Used: The peel-off mask standard โ pva is the primary film-forming polymer for peel-off face masks providing transparent, flexible, skin-stripping films that physically remove surface sebum and trapped particles on removal.
How It Works: Partially hydrolysed polyvinyl acetate provides hydroxyl-rich polymer backbone. aqueous film formation from chain entanglement on water evaporation. flexible, transparent films from pva's low tg. water-soluble from hydroxyl groups. peel-off ability from adhesion balanced with cohesion.
Typically Found In: Peel-off masks,film-forming primers,stripping products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ humectant
Secondary Functions: Tewl reduction,skin plumping
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 5%โ15%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ synthetic
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Synthetic or naturally derived. excellent aqueous solubility.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for all skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,glycerin,hyaluronic acid
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Pva film's peel-off adhesion arises from a specific polymer concentration-dependent phenomenon: at 5-8% pva, films form but lack cohesion (tear on removal); at 10-15% pva, films have sufficient cohesion to peel off cleanly while maintaining enough adhesion to trap sebum and surface debris. this concentration-dependent adhesion/cohesion balance requires precise pva molecular weight and degree of hydrolysis for optimal peel performance.
Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12